Policy and Procedure for Clearances and Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance and Clearances Required

MA:

Professional liability insurance ($1 million per claim/$3 million per occurrence coverage)

Act 34, Criminal Record Clearance, less than one year old

Act 151, Child Abuse Clearance, less than one year old

MEd:

Professional liability insurance ($1 million per claim/$3 million per occurrence coverage)

Act 24, Arrest/Conviction Report and Certification Form

Act 34, Criminal Record Clearance, less than one year old

Act 151, Child Abuse Clearance, less than one year old

Act 114, Federal Clearance, within the last three years (needs to be updated if student is not continuously enrolled in fall and spring semesters)

TB test, less than one year old (school districts may require shorter time periods at practicum or field placement)

Process:

Obtain the liability insurance and clearances as outlined below.

Mail the proof of liability insurance and clearances directly to Kelly Montanti in the Department of Counseling as outlined below.

Use the checklist on p. 5 of this document each time you submit these documents, and include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Signed checklist will be returned to you to and will serve as a receipt.

Beginning with Fall 2010 Admissions

Professional Liability Insurance Requirement – For MA and MEd students

Deadline: Prior to the first night of class

Upon admission, students must obtain their professional liability insurance and submit the proof of the insurance policy NO LATER THAN THE FIRST NIGHT OF CLASS.

Liability insurance may be purchased through any appropriate insurance carrier. Liability insurance limits of 1 million: 3 million are required by the university. Two options often used by counseling students include:

HPSO Professional Liability Insurance 1-800-982-9421 http://www.hpso.comApproximately $37 per year for students

You may also join the American Counseling Association. Student memberships receive professional liability insurance through HPSO as part of their membership.

Clearances required – For MA and MEd students (see list above)

Deadlines:

Fall and Summer Admissions: Deadline October 1

Obtaining Clearances

See below for how to obtain clearances.

Students must apply for above listed clearances listed at the beginning of the semester in which they are enrolled.

Once clearances are received, please submit them to Ms. Kelly Montanti at the address below. If you mail in your clearances please provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return of the originals (It is recommended, though not required, for you to use certified mail).

If a student has a finding on any clearance, the student should contact the director of Field Placement Assistance for a meeting to discuss the finding. Ms. Montanti will be forwarding all paperwork to the director after logging its receipt.

Federal Criminal History Record – This is required under Act 114 of 2006. It applies to work in schools, only for all experiences starting after April 1, 2007. The cost is $40, and procedures are outlined at www.coe.iup.edu/teach_ed. Your application can be made online at www.pa.cogentid.com. See attached memo.

For students in the school counseling program, it is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Department of Education to have proof of a negative tuberculosis test prior to any placement in a school district. There are two options for getting this testing:

You may go to any general practitioner of your choice, either electing to self-pay or utilize your private health insurance benefits.

If you are unable to pay for the testing, testing is available at no charge from the Allegheny County Health Department at the following two locations.

Allegheny County Health DepartmentForbes Medical3441 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 412-578-8062 Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday Do not park in Arby’s or CVS, or your car will be towed